Ankle coupling for artificial feet



Feb. 6, 1945. c. DUMELIN 2,368,917

ANKLE .COUPLING FOR ARTIFICIAL FEET Filed Feb. 4, 1944 for the ball bearing.

Patented Feb. 6, 1945 UNITED STATES PAT ANKLE COUPLING FOR ARTIFICIAL FEET Charles Dumelin, Detroit, Mich. I Application February 4, 1944, Serial No.- 521,025

1 Claim.

a spherical set screw extending into a recess and pivotally supporting th lower member by engaging the ball bearing and multiple springs.

The invention consists in a coupling for the purpose specified, which is simple'in construction and operation, efl'icient in use and which is constructed as hereinafter described and claimed.

Fig. 1 illustrates a sectional view of the coupling, the two plate members are in their relative locked position.

Fig. 2 is another sectional view showing the coupling in an engaged position.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the upper plate member having an outer contour of an ankle, the recesses for the'springs are shown in their relative.

position, another recess at the rear is'provided Fig. 4 is a plan view of the lower plate member illustrating the position of; recesses for the springs, the ball bearing and spherical set screw.

Fig. 5 is an elevation of the two plate members ShOWing he Spr s therebetween.

Figs. 6 and 7 are elevations'of the bracket.

Fig. 8 is an elevation of a spring.

Fig. 9 is an elevation of the spherical set screw.

In Fig. 1 of said drawing I denote I as part of the leg attachment and 2 as part of the artificial foot construction.

The coupling as shown comprises two plate members, the lower member being set at an angular position to provide walking movement. A ball bearing seated in recesses in the adjacent sides of the members and multiple springs held in opposite recesses of the members, a bracket with one flange secured to the upper member and another flange being provided with a spherical set screw extending int a recess of the. lower member. I

The adjacent faces of the members being prothe ball hearing I is inserted; between the two members, the spherical set screwfi is inserted intov tap I! in the flange of the bracket and the springs v are inserted in their respective. recesses, after the by means comprising a ball bearing inserted in videdwith ball receiving recesses l3 and I6 and I spring receiving recesses I4 and I5, the opposite side of the lower member being providedwith recess members at the rear, one of said flanges being secured with the upper member and the other flange carrying the spherical set screw in tap H.

The coupling consisting of tw plate members 3 and 4, a ball bearing 1, multiple springs 8, 9,

I0 and II, a bracket 5 carrying a spherical set screw 6.

The parts are assembled as indicatedin Figs.

land 5 of the drawing. v

Bracket 5 is secured to the. upper member 3,

spherical-set screw is turned to the desired locking position.

The spring tension being terminated by the weight of the person. g l The coupling being set in the following man foot in a short step forward position,

ner, Fig. 1 illustrates the leg with the artificial Fig. 2 represents the opposite leg in" a large step forward position;

Further the structure of the coupling is such as to provide a resilient movement while walking, running or balancing the body.

From the above it can be seen I have provided an exceptionally eflicient, strong and inexpensive coupling for the purpose intended.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

An ankle coupling adapted for normal walking, having two plate members secured with aleg attachment and artificial foot construction, the

lower member being set'to a given angular position, the rear of the members being spaced apart adjacent recesses, multiple springs held in opposite recesses of the members, abracket with flanges overlapping both members rearwardly,

one of said flanges being secured to the upper member and the other flange of the bracket carrying a spherical set screw extending intoa recess and pivotally supporting the lower mem ENT OFFICEw 1 l2 to receive the spherical set screw. Bracket 5 having two flanges overlappingv both 

